Rockwood Academy

Education

CWM Project

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Morgan Sindall Construction worked in partnership with Acivico to complete the expansion of the existing Rockwood Academy school. Despite challenges faced throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the team have completed the project adhering to the programme. It was identified by the Education Department that two schools required expansion to support school places for the community. The expansion increased school places from 648 to 1050 places, an increase of almost 450 places. The work was funded through the Birmingham City Council Capital Education and procured through the Constructing West Midlands framework.

The scope of works for the school included the assembly of a two-storey 2,200 square foot building, whilst commissioning demolition of the old administration building at the entrance of the school. There have been an additional ten classrooms built, a new library, additional science labs, a drama studio, extensive external landscaping and a new multi-use games facility. A new atrium and social space have also been added.

All these facilities will aid the experience for the secondary school students and give them a working environment to successfully thrive in.

Traditionally, brick material would be used for the external walls however the team opted for corium brick-cladding system. This cladding comprises brick slip tiles which are specially manufactured to clip into a steel backing section. The main structural frame used an offsite modular structural insulated panel system (SIPS) which is innovative and provides superior quality. The SIPS panels are one of the most thermally efficient methods of construction, and by opting for this innovative method of construction the team managed to maintain programme and reduce risk which was hugely important with the COVID-19 pandemic.